Be Brave

Elementary

Be You

Everyone's Reading

Dream Big

Kid at Heart

Biographies

Vooks A to Z

Ronnie Lott has always been tough. As a kid, when he fell down, he felt something inside him start to rumble. That something was a voice called Grit. On the court or off the field, no matter where he went or what he played, Grit was there. When he tumbled, Grit said, “Get back up!” When he fumbled, Grit said, “Let’s try again!”

When Grit helps Ronnie become a professional football player, he’ll have a shot at achieving his dreams. But just how far can Grit take him? Join Ronnie as he pushes his limits and answers the question: Is Grit living in all of us? If so, how can we learn to hear its voice?

Ronnie and his Grit is based on the true-life story of NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. A tribute to the power of courage, respect, self-restraint, and unflinching resolve, Ronnie and his Grit is a 2021 Vooks Original. Written by Leslie Harter and illustrated by Jonathan Sundy.


Ronnie has an inner voice named Grit, and it pushes him to achieve his dreams. But just how far can Grit take him?

Ronnie and His Grit

Little Samantha had a BIG dream: to be an Olympian! She loved gymnastics, the way the athletes moved on the floor, the vault, the uneven bars and the balance beam. With the support of her parents, Samantha worked hard and dreamed BIG! To be an Olympian Samantha would have to be the very best, or so she thought. When adversity struck again and again, Samantha had to learn the true meaning of being an Olympian and being her best self.

Based on the life and story of Olympian Samantha Peszek, Little Girl Big Dream inspires children to dream BIG, work hard, love themselves and to support and encourage others. Little Girl Big Dream is written by Leslie Harter, Illustrated by Hayley Moore and published by Vooks.

Samantha had a BIG dream! Being an Olympian meant she had to be the very best, or so she thought...

Little Girl Big Dream: The Story of Olympian Samantha Peszek

Sing-alongs and Music

Camp Vooks

Mindfulness

Be Creative

Familius Presents

Meet Allegro, a young boy who can’t stand practicing the piano. It’s hard and frustrating and he is ready to give up—until the music itself suddenly whisks him away on a magical adventure!Classical music comes to life like never before in this magical journey through 11 timeless compositions. Follow along as Allegro is carried through a range of emotive landscapes, each accompanied by a famous classical theme. Little ones will appreciate music in a whole new way as they discover that becoming a great musician (or anything for that matter) is only possible with patience and practice.

This wondrous story comes from family focused publisher, Familius. Allegro is masterfully written by David Miles and beautifully illustrated by Anita Barghigiani.

Music comes to life in this magical journey through 11 classical masterpieces!

Allegro

5 Minutes or Less

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Nazari has many fantastic ideas for her future. Could she be an astronaut? A farmer? Maybe a scientist? A dentist? An engineer? Or maybe, she can be all of them! Nazari has the courage and confidence to dream big, not putting any limits on what is possible! 

Party Nazari’s Fantastic Future is written by Nate Carter and illustrated by Sam Niemann.


Nazari has many fantastic ideas for her future, and the courage and confidence to dream big!


Party Nazari's Fantastic Future!

Bedtime

Be Kind

When a young boy finds a strange stick in the park, his life completely changes. The stick fills his mind with imagination and wonder, helping him achieve his dreams and live a happy and full life. But it's not until years later that he discovers the full meaning of the stick and the true power of giving.

Imagination lives in you! This beautiful story, created by silhouette artist and children's author Clay Rice, celebrates imagination and kindness. The calming imagery, heartfelt story and soothing tone make it perfect as a bedtime story or to enjoy anytime of the day. Published by Familius, The Stick brings a warm story to life that is sure to inspire little ones to dream big and share the gift of imagination with others.

A young boy finds a stick in the park that completely changes his life forever.

The Stick

Set long ago in the heart of the African savanna, Dream Big—a mythological fable—follows moody Baboon as he discovers a powerful secret.

One by one, Caterpillar, Tadpole, and Flamingo gaze up at the night sky and wish upon a star for their wildest dreams. Baboon insists these dreams could never come true. But when he sees Caterpillar turn into a winged butterfly, Tadpole into a dancing frog, and Flamingo into a beautiful pink bird, Baboon realizes that a transformative power exists between the stars and the animals once they truly believe in themselves and their dreams. When Baboon tries out this secret, CATCH-M, his Magical, Mystical, Wished-Upon Star, whooshes down from the heavens to wham! ignite the courage in his chest. Read on to see if his dream comes true too . . .

Dream Big's inspirational message makes it perfect for dreamers of all ages. Together we can all be inspired to identify and pursue our dreams, no matter how big or impossible they may seem. Dream Big is written by Kat Kronenberg, illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin, and published by Greenleaf Book Group Press.

When moody Baboon discovers a secret, and believes in himself, will his dream finally come true?

Friendship

All Seasons

Storytime Favorites

Early Childhood

What happens when kindness and love are shared freely? Do they grow into something even more wonderful? Or, does the special gift eventually go bare? Little Miss is determined to find out. When she plants a kiss, and it grows into something extraordinary, she wants to share it with everyone she can—even if that means she won’t have any left for herself.

Plant a Kiss is an incredible story of unselfish giving. Filled with hope and optimism, the epic journey reminds us all of the power behind sharing joy with others. From acclaimed writer and illustrator team Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds, Plant a Kiss is sure to spread love to all who see it.


When a kiss grows into something dazzling, Little Miss wants to share it with the world!

Plant a Kiss

Foundational Reading

Dreaming is good most anytime, but it’s especially good at night. And when you dream, what do you dream you’ll be? A mountain climber brave, or a captain of the sea? A movie star with your name up in lights, or a superhero flying around in tights? Maybe you’ll be a doctor saving people’s lives, or a beekeeper tending buzzing hives.

A world of magic is waiting to be discovered—magic maybes for imagined somedays that wait in your future. No matter who or what you choose to be, one thing is for sure: You have a whole lot of options. And of course, you can always change your mind.

A love letter to the endless possibilities of youth, Dream You’ll Be imagines all the futures a child can pursue. Written by Joseph T. Garcia in a rhythmic poem, the book is illustrated by Kimberley Barnes and published by Rainstorm Publishing.

Do you dream about who and what you’ll grow up to be? A mountain climber, a movie star, a captain of the sea?

Dream You'll Be

Science

An incredible true story of determination, hard work and big dreams, Sweet Dreams, Sarah tells the inspirational story of Sarah E. Goode—entrepreneur, inventor and among the first African-American women to be awarded a US patent. Sarah grew up a slave and dreamed of so much more. After the abolition of slavery, Sarah moved to Chicago to build a life for herself and her family. She built furniture and opened a shop to serve her local community. Sarah listened to her customers, and soon realized they needed something brand new: a piece of furniture that was innovative and space saving. Through grit and determination Sarah achieved things she previously had only dreamed of—sweet dreams that became a reality.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah is written by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Chris Ewald and published by Creston Books. 


The true story of Sarah E Goode, who was among the first African-American women awarded a US patent.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah

Wangari, grew up in Kenya, surrounded by beautiful trees. Years later, after returning home from college, she is shocked to see entire forests cut down. The land is barren and the people in the villages are suffering. She knows that if trees could return, then the land and people would flourish once again. Starting small, Wangari plants nine seedlings in her own backyard. Soon, women from her village, and beyond, are joining in! The movement grows. Despite being mocked, and even thrown in jail, Wangari’s determination and vision inspire change across Africa and even the world. 

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa, is a message of strength, determination and responsibility for the environment around us. The empowering true story of Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is sure to inspire future generations. Through Wangari’s example we learn that one person can truly make a difference and impact the world. 

Wangari's Trees of Peace is written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.


Through Wangari’s example we learn that one person can truly make a difference and impact the world.

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

When Irving’s home is burned, his family is forced to flee to America. The trip across the ocean isn’t easy—but when Irving glimpses the Statue of Liberty, the whole boat sings her a grateful song. In New York City, Irving begins a new life. More songs begin to fill his head. Songs that sound like the clank of a railcar, shouts of laughter, the hum of a city full of life.

Come along with Irving as his creative spirit grows into something much bigger than himself. Melodies might be enough to lift his family out of poverty. One might even go on to inspire an entire country—an anthem of gratitude and hope for the land that became his new home.

Following songwriter Irving Berlin’s remarkable life, this story underscores the power of hope, hard work, and limitless creativity. Though his songs were celebrated and performed by countless talented musicians, Irving is best known for his ode to his new home, “God Bless America.” Written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by James Rey Sanchez, Irving Berlin is published by Creston Books, LLC.


When Irving must flee his home in Russia, he starts a new life in America. What comes next begins with a song.

Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing

Animals

Jadav lives on an island in the middle of a river. When floodwaters begin destroying the island’s trees, Jadav starts planting bamboo. The shoots grow into a thicket—but Jadav fears it’s not enough. He collects supplies and seeds from neighboring villages. He tends the plants each day. And slowly, acre by acre, animal by animal, the thicket grows into something remarkable.

Follow the true-life story of Jadav, the boy who grew a forest. His 1,300-acre sanctuary—that’s over 900 football fields of forest—stands as an important reminder of a powerful truth: A single person can make an incredible difference.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest traces the story of Jadav Payeng, a Mishing tribesman whose life demonstrates the importance of personal responsibility, patience, care, and hard work. Winner of numerous awards, the book was written by Sophia Ghotz, illustrated by Kayla Harren, and is published by Sleeping Bear Press.

The trees are disappearing from Jadav’s island. What does he decide to do about it? Plant a forest, of course.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest

These storybooks feature boldness, confidence, self-control, and most of dreaming big!